Tips On What To Consider When Buying A Desktop Computer

When buying a desktop computer remember that this computer will most likely be with you for four or five years, so it is probably a good idea to try thinking ahead with all the technological advances that are continually thrust upon us.

Depending upon your skill set and your desired use of your computer you must determine if you want to buy a pre-built computer or have one built specifically for you and your individual needs.

If money saved is a priority for you, a pre-built computer is possibly a good idea. However, you will generally find that pre-built computers are less desirable as the quality and performance frequently suffers. A pre built computer is also less conformable when you desire to upgrade its abilities.

Though a custom-built computer is a bit pricier, it can be integrated with the hardware most appropriately specific to your needs and preferences. As advances in technology happen you can easily and for a relatively small investment, upgrade your hardware as needed. If you are a person who likes to play games, make sure you have a medium to high-end video card. I recommend your video card have at least 256 megabytes of RAM. Your computer itself should have a minimum of 2 gigabytes of Random Access Memory or RAM. You should have at least 200 gigabytes of hard-drive space. Your processor should also have a minimum of 2 gigabytes.

As for the software aspect, a pre-built computer will come with a bundle of software which may or may not be applicable to your specific needs and the software that comes with it will frequently be less effective than other programs of the same type. Many times pre-built computers load you up with a bunch of junk software, which really has nothing to do with the day-to-day operation of your computer. This wastes valuable hard drive space as well as memory usage.

With a custom-built computer, your can make your decisions as to which software you will use. To decide which software fits your needs seek the advice of experts or other computer users. This will enable you to have everything you want or need and nothing you don't.

As a general rule you would need the following software in order to have a highly functional and well-protected computer:

The operating system you will be using. Microsoft Windows 7 is a good choice as of this date in 2010.

You will need a good word processing program such as any of the Microsoft Office products or Open Office by Corel.

Some form of anti-virus program. I recommend Avira Anit-Virus. It is available in a free version and is very efficient! You can be extra secure by purchasing the Avira Viper anti-virus program. I recommend that you stay away from Norton or MacAfee as both of these programs will slow your system down and are memory hogs.

A Software Firewall will keep intruders from being able to hack into your computer and will give you added anti-virus protection as well. I recommend ZoneAlarm.

If you have children and want to protect them from pornography and other adult content WebWatcher is head and shoulders above the other monitoring, filtering programs out there.

You will need an Internet Browser such as Microsoft's Internet Explorer, Opera, Firefox, or Google Chrome.

In order to read your email, you will need to install some form of email client like Microsoft's Outlook Express, or Incredimail. If you are using Microsoft Office products you can also use Outlook.

If you are planning on copying CD's or DVD's, you will need good copying software like Nereo, Blindcopy, or Roxio's copying program.

In order to play or watch movies online or on your computer, you will need software such as Microsoft Media Player 11, or Power DVD.

If you are going to play interactive Internet games you will need a gamers anti-hacking software like GameSpy.

If you are an artist or want to design art projects on the computer your operating system ie: Windows 7 would include some form of Paint program, under accessories. These programs are easy to learn and effective for designing many art and logo applications. There are other downloadable programs online for doing drafting and animations projects. Anim8or is one of them.

This author's opinion is that you will get better performance and a more personalized experience with more flexibility regarding upgrades and your new computer will suit your specific needs better with a custom-built computer. If you elect to build it yourself, it is like building a puzzle and at the same time you will be learning a lot about computers in general. You can find sites online to assist you in building your own computer.